What is a Urethrocele?

A urethrocele, or prolapse of the urethra, is a protrusion of the urethra into your vagina.

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Urethroceles often do not have any symptoms. However, when present, common symptoms include:

· Urinary incontinence

· Increased urinary frequency

· Difficulty emptying the bladder

· Painful intercourse

Normal female anatomy - no prolapse

What Causes a Urethrocele?

If your vaginal wall and pelvic floor weaken, your urethra loses its support and can widen and bulge into your vagina. Childbirth often causes urethroceles. As the baby moves through the birth canal, tissue damage can occur, sometimes resulting in a urethrocele.

As a woman goes through menopause, her estrogen levels fall. This leads to a weakening of the muscles surrounding the vagina, increasing the risk of prolapse.

It is common for the urethra to prolapse with the bladder. This is called a cystourethrocele.

Urethrocele

How is a Urethrocele Treated?

The treatment of a urethrocele depends on the severity of it. If your urethrocele is mild, pelvic floor strengthening and avoidance of heavy straining can help. More severe urethoceles may require the use of a pessary. A pessary is a device of various shapes and sizes that is placed in the vagina to support the urethra to keep it in place. More severe urethroceles may require surgery to correct the position of the urethra.

To prevent worsening of your urethrocele, you should consider the following:
•    Routine performance of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises
•    Avoidance or correction of obesity, chronic cough and repetitive straining through lifting    or bowel movements
•    Increased daily intake of fiber and fluid to prevent constipation
•    Discussing the possibilities and risks of estrogen replacement therapy with your physician

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